In case you didn’t know, I have blind horses – 32 of them. That’s right, a 1000-pound animal that can’t see. Sounds a little crazy, right? Caring for blind horses was never my idea. I didn’t get up one morning and say, “I’m going to do the most dangerous activity that I can think of with a horse.” Sometimes the world works in mysterious ways. Out of the blue I started getting calls about blind horses needing help. Me? I don’t know anything about blind animals, but I was naive enough to think, “How hard can it be?” So, I started to say yes to those desperate people whose horses had lost their sight.
Fast forward 19 years and many blind horses later, I almost have this figured out. I’d never say I was an expert because we are supposed to learn something new every day, and I do. Life is never dull around horses and especially ones that can’t see.
All the horses I have are precious to me. They come in all shapes and breeds, colors and backgrounds. When they arrive, they are always scared and cautious. Most learn quickly this is a good place with love, food and friends.
Without words, I can tell which of the horses had a good home at some point. Their looks of distrust and fear slowly soften into looks of gladness as they remember this is the way life should be. But sadly, some horses never did have a good home. I suppose they were passed from one uncaring owner to another until they began to think that all humans were the same. These are the hardest to connect with. Their wounds run deep and their distrust even deeper. Some I am never able to reach. But even that outcome is okay. Not great, not good – just okay. I accept them for who they are and treat them as the smart, beautiful creatures God created.
Luckily, I have over 200 acres and several large pastures that the hard-to-handle horses can live in and just be horses. It’s not ideal, but for a horse that is so damaged, the freedom to just live unharmed is a great gift I am happy to provide.
I also have many old horses – 20 years and older. For these, the best place is in the barn with turn-out or in one of several smaller paddocks close to the barn.
It’s a hard life for the imperfect. No one wants a horse that they can’t ride. I feel blessed I can do this important work. If you’d like to help, we’d feel so honored. Rainhill is a 501c3 non-profit organization so all donations are tax-deductible. Thanks for reading our little stories.
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-777-3164
